A Senegalese patrol team accused of ‘illegally’ entering Gambia’s territory claimed they “lost their way” after villagers confronted them. 

The incident occurred on Thursday in the border village of Sarre Omar in the Lower River Region.

The patrol team of 20 soldiers were reportedly patrolling the border that had a  hotspot for loggers and timber smugglers. 

Senegalese soldiers have been accused of not respecting the territorial rights of The Gambia as they have made several intrusions in the past pursuing timber smugglers without prior permission of The Gambia government. 

The Thursday incursion past without any major incident. 

Gambia Armed Forces spokesman Major Lamin K. Sanyang confirmed the story and said Gambian soldiers from Farafenni Barracks were deployed to the border village. 

“I can confirm that the patrol team did go to that particular location in Sare Omar which we understand is a timber landing site in the Lower River Region.”

A similar incident was reported last December in Darsilami after Senegalese troops attempted to enter The Gambia. The villagers pushed them back after a scuffle.